Construction of a ceiling/floor

[Katymac]

Hi I'm new here - please deal gently with me

I am converting a modern agricultural barn. How do you make a second story?

I am assuming RSJ's (it is a 10m by 20m barn) with plaster board underneath, insulation in between, and chipboard on top

But how exactly - I am assuming it isn't that easy?

Thanks
Katymac

 

[Darkrob_DIY]

Hey, yes you could construct a floor using RSJ's with timber joists spanning off these. Sizing of RSJs would obviously require a structural engineer to do calcs which can then be sent to BC.
One question though, have you made sure that there will be sufficient head room in the barn for a second floor?

Ill try and send a drawing of a possible floor construction for tomorrow if i get time.

Regards

Rob Critchley

 

[Katymac]

Thanks I would appreciate the drawing

Whether I have enough room depends on the height of a breeze block (I'm not exactly sure)

And the depth of the floor/ceiling bit

If the second floor has less usable space (going into the eaves) that should be OK anyway

(ps I hope this post goes in the right place??)

 

[Darkrob_DIY]

hey can you post your email address and ill send you some drawings

Regards

Rob Critchley

 

[Katymac]

It's Katymacb<at>hotmail<dot>co<dot>uk

Thanks

 

[^woody^]

Are you doing this conversion ad-hoc and just making it up as you go along, or have you got building control involved and a proper design and specification?

Its not just a case of putting a floor in to walk on, a floor serves other structural functions too.

And can the walls and foundations actually take the load of another floor?

 

[Katymac]

Ok can't have a second floor - the roof trusses(I think they are called) would get in the way & I can't afford new ones.

As far as proper design goes - not yet - PP have asked to see what I want to do - before I apply for planning and the BC chaps have said the same thing

My dad used to build ....but that was in the 70's so although he was MIstructE.....it's all a bit out of date.

Hopefully when I have my basic ideas sorted & I go to see an architect we will get it all properly sorted but I need as much knowledge as possible before that (to save on the architect redoing things that don't work).....I think?